The first ever ESF European Squash57 Cup takes place this weekend (2-4 October) and there are players flocking to Sheffield from across the continent.
It is hoped that the inaugural event, organised by UK Racketball and sanctioned by the European Squash Federation, will encourage more people to try out Squash57 and raise awareness of how it can benefit players and clubs.
Host club Hallamshire (supported by nearby Abbeydale and Fulwood) has a great community of Squash57 players and has one of the most vibrant set-ups in the UK for the sport.
Who to watch out for
While visitors from the UK and abroad have played in the British Racketball Open for several years, the European Squash57 Racketball Cup has seen some of the strongest entries to date.
Men’s Open
Nine-time British National and three-time British Open champion Mike Harris returns as top seed, with last year’s British Open finalist Henrik Mustonen of Finland looking for revenge as second seed.
Rounding out a quality top four are recently-crowned Squash World O45s champion James Bowden, Scottish No1 Matt Bedwell and a host of other top contenders. Even from the last 16 onwards there won’t be any easy matches for any of the top guys!
Women’s Open
Reigning British National and Open champion Amber Marshall sits as top seed again. However, with recently-retired top 40 PSA women’s players such as Emilia Soini and Rachael Chadwick in the line-up, alongside ex top-30 and Squash57 regular Fiona Reid, she will have to work hard to stay top of the tree! England ladies’ captain Jasmin Kalar is also in the mix alongside several other quality players. This Monrad draw will be very hard fought.
Age Groups
A host of European nationalities are getting involved, with the British Isles faithful being joined by the likes of Sweden, Portugal, Spain and Finland in this major event.
One to watch is Esa Tuominen of Finland in the O75s draw, where he faces the might of Ian Graham and other top British players in his bid to gain a first European Squash57 title.
There is a great Spanish and Swedish presence in the O50, O55 and O60 categories — players who haven’t been seen in the fast growing European Squash57 events circuit before, and who could very easily upset the top seeds across those categories.
It is really exciting to see so many new faces in the mix, and the current British dominance in the game could well face a hit!
Top seeds such as Mike Gregory (O50) and Chris Morris (O55) of England and Richard Murphy (O60) of Wales are all standout favourites in their draws, but will have to fight their way through opponents from all across the continent to be able to claim their crown.
Full draws & schedule on SportyHQ
Live streaming on Facebook and YouTube
Looking ahead
With 180 players from across Europe getting involved in this event, this has exciting implications for the progression of Squash57 over the next couple of years.
In 2027 there is a circuit of tournaments teed up that encompass Scotland, Wales, England, Jersey, Guernsey, Malta, Finland and Gibraltar, with more and more interested nations getting in touch on a regular basis.
Squash57 is rapidly being seen as an interesting addition to club’s tournament calendars, with set-ups and structures being the same as squash events, but the opportunity to attract a different and varied audience.
